EPA Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Changes to List of Impaired Waters for Missouri

(Kansas City, Kan., July 12, 2012) - EPA has released its proposed decision on Missouri’s 2012 list of impaired waters. EPA is approving Missouri’s listing of 253 waters as impaired, and the removal from the list of 66 water bodies. The Agency is requesting public comment on its proposed decision to restore a total of 10 water bodies and corresponding pollutants to Missouri’s 2012 impaired waters list.

“We look forward to receiving feedback on the proposed modifications to Missouri’s Impaired Waters List,” said Karl Brooks, regional administrator. “Transparency and public involvement are important components of this process and we need to hear from those that are affected by our decisions."

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources submitted its 2012 impaired waters list to EPA for review and approval. The Clean Water Act and federal regulations require EPA to review the state’s list to determine if the state reasonably considered existing and readily available water quality-related data and information, and reasonably identified waters to be listed.

EPA is proposing to restore several water bodies that were excluded from listing or removed from Missouri’s list. These proposed additions to the list include waters found to be impaired by sediment, bacteria, ammonia and other pollutants.

The 60-day public comment period on EPA’s proposed decision begins today. The comment period ends September 12, 2012.